Olinger glad to be back calling shots for Indians

April 18, 2006|SCOTT DAVIDSON Tribune Staff Writer

Dan Olinger is happy to be back in the dugout. The St. Joseph's softball coach will be even happier when his team collects a few more victories. Olinger has returned to guide the Indians after a one-year hiatus. After being fired by first-year athletic director Frank Pomarico in January 2005, he was rehired in April, 2005. Pomarico has since been replaced by Eric Gohlke. "I love coaching and I'm glad to be back,'' said Olinger. "Everything is fine, except I wish we would have won a few more games so far. "I like this group of kids. Their attitudes are good and I think they have great potential.'' The Indians are 2-4 versus a tough early-season schedule. St. Joseph's has lost to Adams, New Prairie, Elkhart Memorial and Northridge. Those four foes are a combined 30-8 thus far this spring. "Overall, we've played well,'' Olinger said. "We've just lost some close ones to some very good teams. I think we're getting there. It's just taking a little time.'' St. Joseph's boasts a young team with only four seniors on the roster. Olinger's normal lineup is made up of all underclassmen. Junior Shelby Dzierla and sophomore Kim Lipinski have given the Indians solid pitching. The offense has been led by sophomore Christi Nurkowski, along with Dzierla and Mo Healy. Olinger was 180-119 in his first 12 seasons with the Indians. He directed St. Joe to four sectional championships and one regional title. Big NIC showdown Penn vs. Mishawaka. No matter the sport, the rivalry is a great one, and the softball diamond is no different. A huge NIC clash arrives tonight as the No. 5 Kingsmen host the Cavemen in a pivotal, early-season conference contest. Penn is 8-1 after taking two from Valparaiso, 7-0 and 1-0, Saturday. The Cavemen come in 7-1 after sweeping a pair Saturday from Concord 9-2 and 13-0. Both teams are 1-0 in NIC play. "I expect both teams to be jacked up for this one,'' said Mishawaka coach Bob Egyhazi. "You better have your pulse checked if you're not ready to play this one. Every pitch and every out will be big.'' Penn coach John Corthier takes the showdown in stride, his approach the same as for all eight conference contests. "The big thing is that this is an NIC game,'' said Corthier. "That's the important thing. And it's a big NIC game just like all of them. The league is so tough. "We respect Mishawaka. They are hitting the ball very well.'' Penn, Mishawaka, Adams, Washington and St. Joseph's are all 1-0 in the NIC. Marian, Riley and Central are 0-1 and Clay is 0-2. Tonight's league slate, in addition to Mishawaka at Penn, has St. Joseph's at Washington, Riley at Clay and Central at Marian.